Dry eye syndrome is a common cause of eye irritation. Although it most commonly affects older people, anyone can experience dry eyes. Artificial tears, gels and soothing ointments usually ease symptoms.

What is dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome (also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or simply 'dry eyes') occurs when there is a change in the tear film that normally keeps the eye moist and lubricated. It can occur as a result of various conditions.

What is the tear film?

Your tear film has three layers - the main middle watery layer, the thin outer oily layer, and the thin inner mucus layer. The main middle watery layer is what we usually think of as tears.

Each eye has a lacrimal gland just above, and to the outer side, tucked right up underneath the eyelid. These glands make the watery part of the tear film, and release it on to the front of the eye. When you blink, your eyelid spreads the fluid over the front of the eye.

Eye with eyelid detail

Eye and tear production

Your eyelids contain multiple tiny glands, called Meibomian glands. These make the oily liquid which covers the outer layer of the tear film. Only a tiny amount is needed; however, this oily layer helps to keep the tear surface smooth and to slow down the evaporation and drying of the watery tears.

Finally, the clear coating that covers the front of your eye and the underside of your eyelids, the conjunctiva, makes a small amount of mucus-like fluid which is the third layer of your tear film. This mucus allows the watery tears to spread evenly over the surface of the eye.

The tear fluid is produced constantly. It drains away from your eye down small channels (canaliculi) on the inner side of your eye, and into a tear sac. From here it flows down a channel called the tear duct (also called the nasolacrimal duct) into the nose. You can see the entrance to the nasolacrimal duct in the inner corner of your eye, just inside the lower lid.

Who develops dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome can affect anyone, but it becomes more common with increasing age. Dry eyes affect as many as a third of older people, and about 1 in 10 younger people. Women are affected more often than men.

Causes of dry eyes

The causes include:

Ageing. People tend to make fewer tears as they become older. Women often first notice dry eyes developing after the menopause.

Medication. Some medicines can have a side-effect of causing dry eyes. These include:

Increased evaporation of tears. Your environment has a huge effect on your eyes. Dry warm air, solar radiation and wind all increase evaporation and tend to dry the eyes. The most common environmental causes of dry eye are:

Low humidity - for example, from central heating or air conditioning, or living in a hot dry climate.

Having a low blinking rate, often combined with opening your eyes wider than normal, increases evaporation of tears and stops you spreading new tears as effectively. Some people blink less than others. You will blink less if you spend long periods concentrating on a computer screen, TV or microscope. People with Parkinson's disease often blink less than normal.

Wearing contact lenses.

Windy conditions.

Not covering the eyes completely when closing the eyelids. For example, due to eye problems related to thyroid disease. Some elderly people have a condition called ectropion, when the eyelids tend to turn outwards and this can expose part of the eye during sleep. Some people sleep with their eyes partly open.

Damage to the outer part of the eyes, eyelids, etc, from disease, injury or surgery.

Unknown. Some younger people have no apparent cause. They simply produce less than the normal amount of tears.

Dry eyes symptoms

Both eyes are usually affected. Symptoms include:

Irritation in the eyes. The eyes may feel gritty or burning. However, the eyes do not go red. If they do, another eye problem or a complication is usually present.

Very slight temporary blurring of vision from time to time. However, dry eyes do not affect the seeing part of the eye, and dry eyes do not usually cause permanent damage to vision.

Discomfort in your eyes when looking at bright lights.

If you wear contact lenses, you may find they become uncomfortable.

The eye usually feels dry - but it doesn't always feel dry.

What are the possible complications of dry eyes?

Complications are uncommon. They are more likely if you have an underlying medical condition AND are exposed to a dry environment, so that the eyes become extremely dry.

Inflammation of the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis) or the cornea at the front of the eye (keratitis) can occur. If this becomes severe, small ulcers may develop on the cornea. Very rarely, the cornea can puncture (perforate).

You should see a doctor or optician if your eye becomes red or if your vision is affected by dry eyes. you should also seek medical advice if you know you have dry eyes but eye pain develops which seems more than the usual grittiness or irritation. Pain and altered vision are not normally symptoms of dry eyes and may indicate another eye condition or a complication of dry eyes.

How are dry eyes diagnosed?

A doctor or optician can usually diagnose dry eyes from the symptoms, and from examining your eye. However, as dry eyes can be a symptom of an underlying disease (such as Sjögren's syndrome), don't be surprised if your doctor asks about all sorts of other symptoms.

Sometimes a test is done to confirm the diagnosis of dry eyes. This is called Schirmer's Tear Test, and it measures the quantity of tears that you form. Special paper is placed under the lower lid of your eye and left for five minutes. Your tear production can be assessed by how wet the filter paper becomes after five minutes. Further examination with an instrument called a slit lamp - usually by an optician or a specialist eye doctor (ophthalmologist) - is sometimes needed. This can show up dry patches or ulcers on the surface of the eye. If your dry eyes are associated with another disease, your doctor may refer you to an ophthalmologist for advice and treatment.

What is the treatment for dry eyes?

Most treatments for dry eyes are aimed at moisturising and re-lubricating the eye. A few treatments are aimed at altering your tear production. You can also help yourself by:

Trying to keep your environment less dry. This might mean turning your heating down, or using a humidifier.

Wearing glasses or sunglasses to protect your eyes from wind and dust when out in a hot, dry environment.

Resting your eyes by taking regular breaks if you spent long periods in front of a screen or staring down a microscope.

Keeping your eyelids healthy: your eyelids produce the oily part of your tear film and if they become swollen or inflamed they may do this less well. If you wear eye make-up use gentle removers and don't scrub at your eyelids. Change your mascara regularly and, if your eyelids become puffy or sore, consider a change of brand.

Artificial tears

These come as eye drops and gels, and are usually good at relieving symptoms. You can buy them over the counter at pharmacies. At first, you may need to use them every hour or more to improve symptoms. Once symptoms improve, you may then only need to use them three or four times a day. You may need to use them regularly to keep symptoms away.

There are several types of artificial tear drops and gels, with different ingredients. Occasionally, some people find one type may irritate. A change to a different, preservative-free preparation may help if the first does not suit. Ask your pharmacist or optician for advice.

Some artificial tears contain preservatives such as benzalkonium hexachloride. Using these for long periods can damage the front of the eye (the cornea). If you use artificial tears more than four times per day long-term, you should use a preservative-free brand.

Eye ointment

It may also help to use a soothing and lubricating ointment at bedtime for overnight. You can buy this too at pharmacies. You should not use ointment during the day as it can make the artificial tear drops less effective and can make your vision blurry.

Do not use eye ointment if you use other eye drops for other conditions such as raised pressure in the eye (glaucoma).

Other treatments

Artificial tears and soothing ointments work well in most cases. Other treatments may be advised by a specialist in severe cases not helped by the above.

Examples of other treatment options sometimes used for severe cases include:

The fluid contained in your own blood can be used to make special tear drops which are not artificial. These are called autologous serum tears.

Special lenses or goggles are used to try to keep the moisture in your eyes.

Also, some people may need other treatments if they have an underlying cause for their dry eyes.

Dietary changes

Fats from fish oils (omega-3) in the diet, or as supplements, seem to improve dry eyes. More studies are needed to work out the exact combination and dose. However, including oily fish in your diet once or twice a week may be beneficial. Some groups of people should be careful about the amount of oily fish in their diet, or omega-3 supplements (for example, pregnant women) so check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Contact lens wearers

You should not wear contact lenses whilst using many types of eye drops. Check with your doctor or pharmacist. It is often the preservative in the drops that may cause problems. Some types of drops are available without preservative, which are suitable for contact lens wearers.

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